What does huff mean?
A “huff” is a brief spell of irritation or sulking, especially the kind shown by someone who becomes offended, withdraws, and refuses to engage. The expression “in a huff” is the noun’s commonest use, while similar phrases such as “get into a huff” describe the process of becoming annoyed. As a verb, “huff” means to breathe or blow loudly, often as a sign of exertion or irritation; it appears prominently in “huff and puff,” meaning to complain or make a great deal of noisy fuss. The word is informal but familiar in both British and American English. Although “huff” can imply genuine anger, it often presents the feeling in a slightly humorous or exaggerated way, making it particularly effective for describing a sulk or a passing irritation.
A fit of anger, irritation, or sulking, especially one expressed in an offended or withdrawn manner.
"She left the party in a huff after being left out of the conversation."
Most often used in the expression “in a huff”; the plural is uncommon.
To breathe or blow loudly, especially with exertion or irritation.
"He sat back and began to huff and puff at the proposal."
Common in the expression “huff and puff,” where it can mean to complain noisily or make a show of resistance.
The plural is rare; the noun is usually encountered in the fixed expressions “in a huff” and “get into a huff.”
"She let out two huffs of annoyance and walked away."
A small fit of irritation became “a huff”: the shortest name for the storm that gathered before the storm.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does huff come from?
The word has Middle English roots and is associated with the sound of forceful or difficult breathing. Its verb meaning reflects this imitative origin, while the noun meaning developed in the context of puffed-up or offended behavior. Later English produced related forms such as “huffy,” “huffily,” “huffiness,” and the now somewhat uncommon “huffish.”
Related word forms
How huff is actually used
The noun is especially common in the fixed expression “in a huff” and suggests sulking or offended dignity, not necessarily intense anger. As a verb, “huff” is often reduplicative—“huff and puff”—and describes noisy, effortful breathing.